Common Injuries for People in the Tech Workplace

Common Injuries for People in the Tech Workplace

Tech workers might not be in danger of injuries from the rotating blades of heavy machinery or from mauling via dangerous zoo denizens, but this industry is not without its risks. Because computer programmers and similar tech employees have sedentary jobs that require a great deal of repetitive movements, they are at risk of repetitive stress injuries and other problems related to ergonomics. If you’ve developed injuries that may be related to your workplace in San Jose, you have the right to consult a workers’ compensation attorney. Your lawyer can review your medical records, explain your legal rights, and provide legal representation for any claims that result.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common type of repetitive stress injury. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located in the wrist through which the median nerve and various tendons pass. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this passageway narrows, compressing the median nerve and causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling. If left untreated, the symptoms continue to worsen and more symptoms may develop, including loss of grip strength and hand weakness. The repetitive movements associated with tech workplaces can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s important to contact a workers’ compensation attorney if you’ve been diagnosed with this medical condition; he or she can look for supporting documentation to link your injury to your job.

Sitting Disease

Sitting disease has likely been a problem for years, although the term wasn’t coined until recently. It is an umbrella term that refers to a whole slew of health problems traced to prolonged periods of sitting, regardless of the amount of exercise a person gets. Sitting for too long appears to increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and death. Computer programmers and other tech workers may want to take note of this alarming health trend since they work in a field that requires long hours of sitting.

Tenosynovitis

Another example of a repetitive stress injury that may affect tech workers is tenosynovitis. This refers to the inflammation of the synovium, which surrounds the tendons. Often, tenosynovitis affects the wrist and stems from repetitive movements. It causes pain, swelling, tenderness, and mobility impairment.